we are proud to support NZ Blood Service

NZBS VisionAs the provider of blood services for New Zealand, the New Zealand Blood Service will be recognised for excellence in meeting the needs of donors, patients, its staff and the wider healthcare community.

Promoting NZ Blood at the PopUp Business School Aotearoa ​Whanganui event :-)

Please go along and donate blood - they would love to see you!After all, it isn't every day you can do something to save someone's life - but that's exactly what you do every time you donate blood.Blood contains lifesaving components that can help treat many illnesses and injuries.Blood is a priceless gift - a lifesaver. For more information please click here.

​What are blood groups?

Blood groups are complex chemical systems found on the surface of blood cells. The two main blood group systems in transfusion practice are the ABO system and the Rh(D) type. Identification of the correct blood group is important to prevent reaction following transfusion.Within the ABO system, people can be one of four groups - O, A, B or AB, while in the Rh(D) system they can be either Rh(D) positive or Rh(D) negative. Each system is inherited independently of the other. As a result, there are eight main blood groups.The Givers/Receivers chart shows the compatibility of different blood groups. For example, an A negative patient may receive blood from an O negative or an A negative donor.

Rh(D) negative patients should not normally receive Rh(D) positive red cells, this is particularly important in women of childbearing age.

Type O is the most common blood type with around 50% of New Zealanders having this blood group.

Type O negative donors are referred to as "the universal donors" because in an emergency their red cells can be transfused to people who have any blood type. Because any patient can receive type O negative blood, there is a particular need for O negative donors to give regularly

Also see the Education section for learning aids to use in the classroom to educate students about blood.